UN High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres paid a visit to Lesvos island, which has received 3/5 of refugee and migration flows since the beginning of the year.
“It is the appropriate time for an appeal to the European Union that must finally cooperate in order give an answer to this crisis. Because this crisis is not only a problem of Lesvos, it is not only a problem of Greece, it is a European problem,” he underlined.
According to Guterres, “Europe must increase humanitarian assistance in Syria but also in neighboring countries such as Jordan, Turkey and Iraq that host many refugees.”
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees stressed that the European Union must show solidarity with Greece.
“It should help the asylum procedures and allocate these people fairly to all countries, to all Member States. But it must help Greece to create the mechanisms that will help people not entitled to asylum to return to their countries always in respect to their dignity and human rights.”
Guterres underlined that “this is a moment of truth for the European Union.”
Asked by the Athens – Macedonian News Agency on the further actions of the UN High Commissioner for refugees in regions affected by refugee and migration flows, Guterres claimed that “the resources and capabilities of UNHCR are unfortunately limited but what can be done, apart from the assistance that will continue to be provided, are actions and initiatives to highlight this problem in Europe and to redistribute the burden in all countries of the European Union. Do not let Greece and the island of Lesvos alone to manage this crisis.”
Guterres expressed “gratitude for the generosity, hospitality and solidarity expressed by the people and the authorities of Lesvos.” As he said “Lesvos is a small island and since the beginning of the year has received more than 250,000 refugees and migrants. “For this reason,” noted Guterres, “the international community owes gratitude to the people of this island.”
(Source: ANA-MPA)
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